Growing Older Together

REINVIGORATING YOUR MARRIAGE BOND

People react in various ways to reaching middle age.  Some men dress differently in an attempt to appear younger. Many women worry about the changes that menopause brings. Sadly, some middle-aged persons provoke their mates to resentment and jealously by flirting with younger members of the opposite sex.  Godly  older men, though, are "sound in mind," curbing improper desires.  (1 Peter 4:7 ) Mature women likewise work to maintain the stability of their marriages, out of love for their husbands and a desire to please Jehovah.  

Under inspiration, King Lemuel recorded  praise for the "capable wife" who rewards her husband "with good, and not bad, all the days of her life."  A  Christian husband will not fail to appreciate how his wife strives to cop;e with any emotional upset she experiences during her middle years.   His love will prompt him to 'praise her.' -Proverbs 31:10, 12, 28. 

During the busy child-rearing years, both of you may have gladly put aside  your personal desires to attend to your children's needs. After their departure it is time to refocus on your married life.  "When my daughters left home," says one husband, "I began courtship with my wife all over again."  Another husband says:  "We keep  an eye on each other's health and remind each other of the need for exercise." So as not to feel lonely, he and his wife show hospitality to other members of the congregation. Yes, showing interest in others brings blessings. Moreover, it pleases Jehovah. -Philippians 2:4; Hebrews 13:2, 16. 

Do not allow a communication gap to develop between you and your spouse. Talk together freely. (Proverbs 17:27)  "We deepen our understanding of each other by caring  and being considerate," comments one husband. His wife agrees, saying:  "As we have grown older, we have come to enjoy having tea together, conversing, and cooperating with each other."  Your being op;en and honest can help cement your marriage bond, giving it a resilience that will thwart the attacks of Satan, the marriage wrecker.

Next time: Growing Older Together/ENJOY YOUR GRANDCHILDREN

From the book: The Secret of FAMILY HAPPINESS